Bitzka’s next stop could be Chandelier Stakes

CYPRESS, Calif. - Bitzka went from a maiden claimer to a stakes winner in consecutive starts with a victory in Saturday’s $100,000 Barretts Debutante at Los Alamitos.

She may be bound for a graded stakes in a matter of weeks, trainer John Sadler said on Sunday.

The $300,000 Chandelier Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles on Oct. 1 will be a point of discussion among Sadler and owners Pete and Kostra Hronis, Sadler said.

“It’s not out of the question,” he said. “I’m not promising anything.”

Sadler was in Kentucky on Sunday morning for the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. He plans to return to Southern California in the middle of the week when Bitzka’s status will be assessed.

In the Barretts Debutante at 6 1/2 furlongs, Bitzka stalked pacesetter Diva La Mousse to early stretch and won by 5 1/4 lengths over Adorable, who closed from fourth in a field of six.

The Barretts Debutante was Bitzka’s first start for Hronis Racing and Sadler since they claimed her for $62,500 at Del Mar on Aug. 25, the day she won a maiden race by 4 1/4 lengths. Bitzka earned $56,000 for her victory on Saturday.

“It couldn’t have worked out any better,” Sadler said.